Emma Hardy
MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Lab
8 Jun 2017 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
My local community is reeling from the discovery of 35 bodies and unidentifiable cremated ashes at a local funeral home. The pain was made worse when people realised that the funeral plans they had used their life savings for were fake. Does the Prime Minister agree that in these unique and limited circumstances banks should offer discretion when deciding if chargeback applies to payment refunds?
Context
The community in Kingston upon Hull is dealing with the discovery of 35 bodies and unidentifiable cremated ashes at a local funeral home, resulting in fraudulent funeral plans.
Rishi Sunak
I express my sympathies to the families affected by the case that the hon. Lady raises. I believe the Ministry of Justice is urgently looking at the matter. I will ensure someone gets in touch with her as soon as possible.
Assessment
The PM did not directly address whether banks should exercise discretion regarding chargebacks.
I Express My Sympathies To The Families Affected By The Case That The Hon. Lady Raises
Session: PMQs
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What new support will be given to prevent job losses in Hull West and Hessle, recognising that you cannot level up by shutting down?
Context
The Social Market Foundation report identified Hull as facing the worst economic hit and slowest recovery. The Government has not provided adequate support.
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
More than £21 million has been given to the East Riding of Yorkshire. 90% of caravan manufacturers have been supported by the furlough scheme, and there is a £640 billion package overall.
Session: PMQs
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Hull already has high superfast broadband. What can the Minister do to force companies to share their infrastructure and stop the blight of ever-increasing numbers of poles appearing up and down our streets?
Context
The MP expressed concern about broadband poles being put up in her constituency.
Julia Lopez
I have met the hon. Lady about this issue, and I have made representations to KCOM and Connexin. Productive talks are under way between them, overseen by Ofcom. We hope that a lot more progress will be made, and that network roll-outs will be paused when there seems to be overbuild.
Session: Internet Connectivity
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What steps his Department is taking to strengthen coastal defences. We learned from the Public Accounts Committee report that 500 flood defence projects have been cancelled, just like the one in Lowestoft. Whether the Minister chooses to use the words 'cancelled,' 'deferred,' 'delayed' or 'on a long list' makes no difference, because he is still refusing to tell us where those projects are.
Context
The MP is concerned about investment in flood defences, noting that over 500 projects have been cancelled. She seeks clarity on the status of these projects.
Robbie Moore
I and my officials have been reviewing applications for flood defences. Announcements will come soon. The Government invest £1.3 billion in flood defences, more than ever before, ensuring better coastal community protection.
Session: Coastal Defences
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Could the Minister outline plans for bringing forward further schemes to support coastal communities like Cleethorpes in terms of funding and jobs?
Context
Coastal areas face long-term economic inequalities and require continued investment for job creation.
Gareth Davies
We acknowledge the specific challenges coastal areas face. Funding includes shared prosperity fund, levelling-up fund, towns fund, 13 devolution deals, investment zones and freeports.
Session: Regional Economic Inequality
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Does the Minister acknowledge that delays in track 1 carbon capture and storage expansion and track 2 timelines endanger the Humber's status as a global leader in hydrogen and CCS, endanger £15 billion of private investment and jeopardise industrial decarbonisation and economic growth?
Context
Delays in track 1 carbon capture and storage expansion and track 2 timelines could endanger the Humber's status as a global leader, private investment of £15 billion, industrial decarbonisation, and economic growth.
Claire Coutinho
We recognise the role that CCS can play for the economy in the Humber and across Britain. We have set out £20 billion of investment committed to this sector, an ambitious road map was set just before Christmas, and we continue to meet investors to speed up the process.
Session: Topical Questions
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Could the Minister speak about timeframes for regulatory changes and encourage voluntary regulation by trade bodies until formal rules are implemented?
Context
The Minister has been engaged with the hon. Member regarding Legacy funeral directors in Hull, highlighting the need for statutory regulation.
Mike Freer
A call for evidence will commence in the next few months, following public consultation. The Minister is meeting trade bodies today to discuss voluntary inspections and ensuring public confidence in funeral directors.
Session: Cremation Legislation
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What impact does the Secretary of State think that recent events and UK Government foreign policy decisions have had on that crucial relationship with those middle eastern partners?
Context
The UK's ability to deliver aid depends on its relationships with Middle Eastern countries.
Grant Shapps
The hon. Lady will be pleased to hear that the Foreign Secretary, the Prime Minister and I have been very proactive in speaking to and making multiple visits to the region. I have visited the majority of countries in the middle east and Gulf region to discuss exactly the points that she has raised.
Session: Gaza Humanitarian Aid
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Does the Minister agree that without having Access to Work in place within the first four weeks of someone entering work, it is incredibly difficult for them to maintain that position? I was talking to the Royal National Institute of Blind People, which represents the blind and partially sighted. It told me of an employee who said they are newly employed and unable to fulfill their role.
Context
The MP is concerned about an employee's difficulty in fulfilling their role due to the Access to Work scheme not being immediately available.
Mel Stride
I am pleased that the hon. Lady raises Access to Work, because it is extremely effective. The grant can be there year in, year out and be up to a maximum of £66,000.
Session: Helping People into Work
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Thank you, Mr Speaker, for everything you do to keep Members of Parliament safe. I know that so much of it goes unseen. I know, from talking to residents in Hull West and Hessle, that they are deeply concerned about the rise in antisocial behaviour. Antisocial behaviour is not trivial; it has a huge impact on neighbourhoods and on the mental health of the people subjected to it. So why are the Government failing to take it seriously?
Context
Residents in Emma Hardy's constituency are concerned about the rise in antisocial behaviour, which has a significant impact on neighbourhoods and mental health.
Chris Philp
The Government published an antisocial behaviour action plan just last year. From April of this year, in just a couple of months' time, every single police area in England and Wales will have funding—£66 million in total—to run hotspot patrols in areas where there is antisocial behaviour or serious violence problems. We have 10 force areas running pilots for immediate justice, where people committing ASB have to do immediate reparations, and we banned nitrous oxide on 8 November last year.
Session: Local Policing
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Will the Minister meet the incredible women from Endometriosis Support Hull and East Yorkshire to discuss the work they are doing with the local trade unions to create a best practice charter for employers in Hull to support women with endometriosis in the workplace?
Context
Half of women surveyed with endometriosis often or frequently have to take time off work due to their condition, and one in six had to give up work altogether. The questioner seeks a meeting between the Minister and local advocates to discuss best practices for supporting these women.
Mims Davies
I was in Aberdeen on Thursday meeting women with health conditions and hearing about how we can better support women who are having debilitating impacts from the menopause. That was in the oil and gas sector, where it takes a long time to build up to a senior career. I would be interested to hear about the work that the hon. Lady's local team are doing. Through the wider women's health strategy, we are supporting women to have a thriving career all the way through.
Session: Long-term Sickness Employment
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When will the Government realise that their failure to be decisive is costing farmers their livelihoods?
Context
Farmer Henry Ward experienced extensive flooding due to river breaches, with the Environment Agency unable to repair them promptly.
Steve Barclay
The water Minister has met with individual farmer Henry Ward on his farm. We are actively working with internal drainage boards to empower them in this context.
Session: Environment Agency Funding
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Nine in 10 crimes went unsolved in Wales in the last six months. What does the Minister say to the victims of the 82,000 unsolved crimes?
Context
In the last six months, nine in ten crimes went unsolved in Wales with a total of 82,000 unsolved cases.
Fay Jones
I would point to the Government's record on crime. Last week's Office for National Statistics crime survey shows drops in all major crime types, with an average reduction of about 50%. Violent crime is down by 51%, neighbourhood crime is down by 48%, and theft is down by 46%. That is due in part to the fact that the Government have met their commitment to provide 20,000 extra police officers. My own force, Dyfed-Powys, has now got an extra 143 officers.
Session: Victims of Crime
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What discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting victims of crime in Wales?
Context
Discussions on how to support victims of crime in Wales were being sought.
Fay Jones
I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues on a range of topics including justice matters. The Government are committed to supporting victims. By 2025, we will have quadrupled funding in England and Wales for victim and witness support services from 2010 levels.
Session: Victims of Crime
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Given that 2,730 children in Hull are waiting more than 12 weeks for their first mental health appointment, is it pride or inattentiveness that prevents the Secretary of State from adopting Labour's plan for a mental health professional in every school?
Context
There are 2,730 children in Hull waiting more than 12 weeks for their first mental health appointment.
Gillian Keegan
If I may “fact check” the hon. Lady, I think that the plan is for a mental health professional in every secondary school. The plan that we have is to introduce mental health support teams in every primary and secondary school. As usual, our plans, on which we are delivering, are better thought through, cover more people, and solve the problem that they are intended to solve.
Session: Topical Questions
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If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The hon. Member mentioned that nearly 70% of occupations are accessible via apprenticeships and over 5.7 million apprenticeship starts have been delivered since 2010. The Labour party has proposed halving the number of apprenticeships.
Context
The question follows the announcement of National Apprenticeship Week, prompting a discussion on government initiatives.
Gillian Keegan
As was mentioned by the hon. Member for Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra), next week is National Apprenticeship Week. When I did my apprenticeship, I benefited from brilliant training and opportunities, thanks to General Motors, which got me where I am today, and I want to spread those opportunities to everyone, everywhere. This Conservative Government have built a new high-quality apprenticeship system from the ground up. Nearly 70% of occupations are now accessible via apprenticeships, and we have delivered 5.7 million apprenticeship starts since 2010. A week from today, we will kick off National Apprenticeship Week. I ask all Members to go on a visit to meet apprentices and talk about the opportunities that are available throughout the country—a real example of levelling up.
Session: Topical Questions
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Last week, the Government published an update of the list of schools with RAAC. Will the Minister confirm that the Department is seeking to cross-check its list of schools affected by RAAC with the BBC, because it remains the case that the BBC journalists have more of a grip on this crisis than the Government?
Context
Last week, the Government published an updated RAAC school list.
Damian Hinds
We have a lot of people working on this and rightly so, including making sure that all the surveys get done. We have also committed to being transparent, which is why we publish regular updates to the list. We continue to work at pace to try to resolve the problems as quickly as possible for the good of the children.
Session: Topical Questions
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There are thousands of orphans and displaced families amid an ongoing humanitarian catastrophe. What are the Government doing to ensure that unrestricted aid is reaching all the people who desperately need it, and, importantly, to ensure that Israel lifts the siege conditions?
Context
No specific background context provided for this question.
Grant Shapps
As the hon. Lady will know, we are in favour of seeing pauses in the action. Some people, I know, call for a ceasefire, but I would point out that there was a ceasefire on 6 October; the problem is that it was broken by Hamas, who wrought this carnage on the middle east. We are doing everything possible to help get that aid in. With the Royal Navy taskforce, infantry, and other personnel in the region, we now have an uplift of about 600 personnel in the wider region, who are all helping to ensure that we get the aid in and across the border once we have got it to the region itself.
Session: Israel and Gaza
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I listened carefully to the Minister's response, and I noted that she did not mention the National Infrastructure Council's report, commissioned by the Government a year ago, which stated that an extra 190,000 homes were at risk of flooding—not because of climate change, but because of the Government's failure to maintain existing flood defence assets. When the Government cannot even get the basics right, how can anyone possibly trust them to have the answers to the ever-increasing flood risk that our country faces?
Context
The National Infrastructure Council's report states that an extra 190,000 homes are at risk of flooding due to the Government's failure to maintain existing flood defence assets.
Rebecca Pow
That is exactly the Environment Agency's duty, and it works very hard on the asset management side of our flood assets, which are a very large proportion of our £5.2 billion fund.
Session: Flood-risk Areas Rural Communities
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Ofsted chief inspector, Amanda Spielman, has repeatedly said that she has deep concerns about the continued failures to improve service accommodation for armed forces recruits over seven years. Will the Minister explain why those concerns from neutral Ofsted inspector Amanda Spielman have fallen on deaf ears and why those improvements are yet to be made?
Context
The question arises from concerns over the adequacy of service family accommodation as highlighted by the Ofsted chief inspector, Amanda Spielman.
James Cartlidge
This is an extremely important subject, and we care immensely about improving our estate. Concerns do not fall on deaf ears; the Command Paper refresh includes a further £400 million for SFA, which will double this year's spend compared to last year.
Session: Service Accommodation
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What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of service accommodation for armed forces personnel? The Ofsted chief inspector, Amanda Spielman, has repeatedly said that she has deep concerns about the continued failures to improve service accommodation for armed forces recruits over seven years. Why have those improvements not been made despite her concerns?
Context
The question arises from concerns over the adequacy of service family accommodation as highlighted by the Ofsted chief inspector, Amanda Spielman.
James Cartlidge
The Government continue to invest significant sums in UK service family accommodation, with £337 million invested over 2020-21 and 2021-22 financial years combined and £163 million in 2022-23. The forecast for this financial year is £312 million. Concerns do not fall on deaf ears, as the Command Paper refresh includes a further £400 million for SFA.
Session: Service Accommodation
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We do not just need to build affordable homes; we also need to build high-quality homes that are fit for the future and climate-resilient. In the past six years, the average cost of repairing a home from flood damage has been £60,000 a property, and Aviva calculates that one in four homes is now at risk of flooding. Will the Government ensure that their proposed national planning policy framework will finally prevent unprotected homes from being built in flood risk areas?
Context
The average cost of repairing a home from flood damage has been £60,000 in the past six years. One in four homes is at risk of flooding according to Aviva.
Rachel Maclean
The hon. Lady raises an important issue. The consultation on the NPPF has been well subscribed. We are analysing the responses now, but I am sure we will be able to say more in due course.
Session: House Building
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Private sector businesses in the Humber are ready and willing to invest £15 billion in carbon capture, storage and decarbonisation projects. However, this is being put at risk because, of the eight track 1 carbon capture and storage projects selected, not a single project was approved for the Humber. When will these businesses get the clarity they need? When the track 1 expansion process is launched, will both Humber pipelines be approved?
Context
Businesses are ready to invest £15 billion in decarbonisation projects but lack approval due to the eight track 1 carbon capture and storage project selection process.
Graham Stuart
I thank the hon. Lady for her question, and she is right to be frustrated because of the enormous potential both to decarbonise and to unlock industrial benefits for the area. We are moving as quickly as possible. I have already said that the Viking project and the Scottish cluster are in the favoured position, and the team is moving as quickly as possible this year to provide more certainty and unlock further investment.
Session: Clean Energy Technology Private Sector Investment
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Ever-increasing food prices mean that some families are having to cut down on the amount they eat. Will the Minister support Labour's plan to negotiate a new veterinary agreement for agriculture products to reduce the cost for food producers and bring down those crippling food prices?
Context
Rising food prices are affecting families' ability to purchase sufficient amounts of food.
Jeremy Hunt
We will always look at Labour policies, but they are normally not right.
Session: Topical Questions
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What actions will the Secretary of State take to reduce fraud? Importantly, how will he ensure that the clawing back of DWP errors—those that are not the fault of the claimant—is carefully and fairly considered so that that does not put the claimant further into poverty?
Context
The National Audit Office reported that benefit fraud and error totalled £8.6 billion in 2021-22, prompting calls for action to reduce such fraudulent claims.
Mel Stride
The hon. Lady raises an important point. The Government's record under my stewardship at the DWP is a good one. In fact, since the fraud plan was published last May, fraud across the benefit system has reduced by some 10%, and across universal credit there has been a 13% drop. We expect to see those figures increasing through time. We are doing that through targeted case reviews—going through cases and looking for fraud and error—and I have another 1,000 people being recruited for that purpose. We are also using artificial intelligence, data analytics and machine learning to ensure that we catch up with the more sophisticated attacks on our system.
Session: Benefit Fraud
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It is six weeks until the end of the summer term and headteachers are desperately trying to budget. They need the STRB proposals on pay now, as well as information on how they will be funded. The release of that information could prevent all the strikes, which we know will damage the education of so many. When will headteachers have the information they desperately need, including to help retain some of the excellent teachers we keep losing?
Context
Headteachers urgently need information from the independent School Teachers' Review Body to help with budgeting and retaining staff, yet this information is delayed.
Gillian Keegan
This is the same process we follow every year. We take the independent pay review body's recommendations seriously, are considering the report and will publish in due course, just as we do every year.
Session: Industrial Dispute Resolution
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Some 2.6 million homes are at risk of flooding. In Hull we have our first permeable street as part of the Living With Water initiative. Will the Secretary of State reform the national planning policy framework to make it stronger in dealing with floodwaters?
Context
2.6 million homes are at risk of flooding, including Hull which is the second most flood-prone city in England.
Michael Gove
I know Hull is the second most flood-prone city in England and I applaud the work undertaken by the local authority. I do not know whether I will be able to join her on 5 July, but I hope that when I visit Hull soon, I will have the opportunity to talk about this issue.
Session: National Planning Policy Framework
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Just over a year ago, the anti-fraud Minister Lord Agnew resigned in anger at the billions being lost and written off in covid fraud payments. Can the Minister tell us what has changed such as the amount of money in covid fraud payments recovered or the attitude of the Treasury?
Context
A former anti-fraud Minister resigned due to concerns over billions lost in covid fraud payments. There are questions about changes made since then.
Thomas Tugendhat
This Government take fraud seriously. We have just worked up a national fraud strategy for the first time in many years, with money and commitment, now having officers behind it to ensure that fraud reduces alongside other areas of crime.
Session: Fraud
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What additional support can the Minister give this young entrepreneur on that project?
Context
Elizabeth Wilson, a student and member of the Hull Youth Parliament, is campaigning for an armed forces champion to assist pupils with transition and provide peer-to-peer support.
Ben Wallace
I would be very happy to meet that young entrepreneur with the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. The idea fits perfectly with local authority forces champions and their local education remit.
Session: Topical Questions
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The statutory requirements for the houses that we build today fall far short of the challenges of a changing climate. Humber is the second most flood-prone region in the UK after London, with more than 190,000 at-risk homes, which equates to a third of all properties in the region. Will the Minister consider urgently introducing to the national planning framework stricter statutory requirements for flood protection and mitigation?
Context
Humber is the second most flood-prone region in the UK, with over 190,000 at-risk homes. The MP asks about stricter statutory requirements for flood protection and mitigation.
Rachel Maclean
The hon. Lady raises a vital issue. We recognise the importance of protecting communities from flood risk. That is why we have been clear in the national planning policy framework that areas of flood risk should be avoided and that, where that is not possible, all risks should be mitigated. That is further supported by the flood risk and coastal change guidance, which has been updated. I am very happy to discuss that in more detail with her as it affects her communities.
Session: New Homes Regenerated Brownfield Land
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Will the Secretary of State back Labour's plan to make flexible working a force for good for all workers?
Context
The question stems from the recognition that flexible work arrangements can support those returning to work, particularly among over-50s.
Mel Stride (Financial Secretary to the Treasury)
I very much welcome the hon. Lady's question—I certainly enjoyed my time working with her on the Treasury Committee, where she raised these matters with great passion. She is absolutely right that flexible working is the way forward, and not just for the over-50s but often for those who have disabilities. This is a big opportunity that we need to seize.
Session: Economic Inactivity Working-age People
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Labour has a plan to upgrade our homes and eradicate fuel poverty with a warm homes plan to insulate 19 million homes over a decade. Does the Secretary of State regret the decision of the Liberal Democrat and Conservative coalition Government to cut the “green crap”, as a previous Prime Minister put it? That left people in poorly insulated homes and with expensive homes.
Context
The previous coalition government cut the “green crap” leading to poorly insulated homes.
Grant Shapps
I explained in an earlier answer that we have gone from having just 14% of homes in 2010 with an energy rating of A to C to having 46% today. So it is clear that these plans have been working, and I have just talked about another £12.6 billion to finish off the job.
Session: Household Energy Efficiency Measures
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When will the Government ensure that all students have the financial resources they need to succeed?
Context
The MP noted that 740 people from her constituency have been accepted to universities, with 35 attending in the same area. She highlighted a Department for Education assessment stating that increased student loans and grants will negatively impact students.
Robert Halfon
We have increased to £276 million—a £15 million increase—the money given to the Office for Students from which universities can draw down to help students who face financial difficulties. We have frozen the loan—in 2025, it will not have had an increase for seven years. Students who face difficulties can also get bursaries from universities.
Session: Local Skills Needs
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On Friday I met representatives of the Federation of Small Businesses and of small businesses in my constituency, and the message from them is that they are extremely worried about their future, about their sustainability and about energy costs. One of the points they highlighted was their concern about what will happen to their energy costs after April. Will the Minister look at matching what the Labour party is proposing, which is cutting small business rates to enable small businesses to save up to £5,000 a year, to ensure that they can continue not just for this year but going into the future?
Context
The MP is concerned about the financial sustainability of small businesses due to high energy costs, which may be exacerbated by future rate increases.
James Cartlidge
I have also met the FSB. The one crucial point I would make is that I understand why businesses are concerned in these very challenging times—I ran a small business myself before entering Parliament—but we have to balance out the costs of these schemes to the Exchequer. We have to run sound public finances, not least because that engenders a platform of stability and confidence, which is in the interest of every single business in this country.
Session: Businesses Energy Costs
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NHS England figures show that in October 2012, 15 women had been waiting over a year for gynaecological treatment. Can the Minister tell the House how many women had been waiting for that long in October last year?
Context
NHS England figures show a significant increase in the number of women waiting over a year for gynaecological treatment.
Maria Caulfield
As the shadow Minister will know, there is a backlog of procedures in all four devolved nations of the United Kingdom for clinical reasons, rather than political reasons. We have made huge progress in clearing the two-year backlog, with the majority of those patients now having had their treatments. We are on track to meet the target for the 18-month backlog in April, and we will then focus on those who are waiting a year.
Session: Gynaecological Care Waiting Lists
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If she will hold discussions with her Cabinet colleagues on NHS waiting lists for gynaecological care. Some vaginal mesh-injured women have been left waiting four years for mesh removal, and I have already highlighted women's concerns that the surgeons they go to for mesh removal are trained only in implanting the mesh and not in removing it. These women fear that, once again, they are being used as test subjects. When will mesh-injured women get the redress that was recommended in Baroness Cumberlege's review, “First Do No Harm”?
Context
Concerns about long wait times for vaginal mesh removal and a lack of trained surgeons to perform the procedure.
Maria Caulfield
Tackling NHS waiting lists, including for gynaecology, is a priority for the Government, which is why we are spending £8 billion on clearing our backlog. For gynae procedures specifically, we have opened 90 surgical hubs, 90 community diagnostic centres and women's health hubs, which will all help to tackle gynaecology backlogs. I thank the hon. Lady for her work in this space. I recognise that while we have set up nine specialist mesh centres to tackle mesh removal and seen a number of women come forward and receive their surgery, there are still a number on the waiting list. I am meeting some of the campaigners on mesh removal next week.
Session: Gynaecological Care Waiting Lists
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Thornton Cleveleys faces a 17% rise in new patients. Cost-effective solutions have been found, but the ICB keeps changing its mind on funding availability. Will the Minister meet me to resolve this impasse and get the ICB to address the issue?
Context
The MP mentioned that primary care capacity will be exceeded by a 17% increase in new patients over the next five years.
Steve Barclay
My hon. Friend brings welcome transparency to the issue. The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my hon. Friend the Member for Harborough (Neil O'Brien) was listening intently, and is nodding his head about meeting him to discuss it.
Session: Access to GPs
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Work done by the Child Poverty Action Group provides a toolkit for schools to identify and alleviate costs on parents. Will the Secretary of State encourage many schools, academy chains, and headteachers to use this toolkit?
Context
A parent advocacy group highlighted a toolkit by the Child Poverty Action Group for schools to assess costs parents face throughout the academic year.
Gillian Keegan
We are always focused on what more we can do. We have pupil premium funding, school uniform guidance, and the highest number of children benefiting from free school meals. Breakfast clubs have been introduced in deprived areas.
Session: Childcare Accessibility, Affordability and Quality
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New properties in England lack those same statutory flood protections as Wales. The Government launched a review last year, so when will its results be concluded and when will schedule 3 be applied here so that homes in England can have the same standard of flood protection as those built in Wales?
Context
Welsh Government applied schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act, providing statutory flood protections. England lacks similar standards.
Lucy Frazer
The Government has taken actions on flood and waste water management, increased through the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill. They will respond in due course to the consultation mentioned.
Session: Home Building
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Will the Chancellor follow Labour's lead by lifting the small business rate relief for 300,000 businesses?
Context
Concern about the current business rate system being unfair to high street businesses.
Andrew Griffith
The Government have committed to review business rates, but it would be wrong for me to pre-empt the outcome of that review here today.
Session: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
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In the Humber NHS trust, 42% of learning disability beds are taken by people with delayed discharge, 5.5% of secure beds have patients waiting for adult social care, as do 70% of adult mental health beds, 22% of CAMHS beds and 27% of community beds. To deal with the problem in mental health, we need to deal with the problem of lack of adult social care placements. When will the Government be able to fix that?
Context
The MP highlighted issues with delayed discharges affecting learning disability, secure, adult mental health, CAMHS, and community beds.
Maria Caulfield
The Government actually started working on the plans around delayed discharges this summer, because of course they affect mental health services. They also affect a range of acute beds. With the winter coming, we know that there will be additional pressure on those beds, and that is why we are working with local government social care services and integrated care boards which have responsibility for that in their local areas.
Session: Mental Health Services
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To encourage more women into motorsport and all industries, making workplaces endometriosis-friendly is crucial. With one in 10 women having endometriosis, what encouragement can the Minister give companies to adopt the Endometriosis UK strategy for a supportive work environment?
Context
One in ten women have endometriosis, which significantly impacts workplace performance.
Katherine Fletcher
I agree that women's health issues are important in the workplace. Although exact policy commitment is lacking, I will get the Department of Health and Social Care to write to the hon. Lady regarding this matter.
Session: Women in British Motorsport
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Office for Students
26 April 2023
Responding: Robert Halfon
Main Concerns
["The Office for Students has become overly bureaucratic and imposes high costs on providers, taking an inconsistent view of quality education. It is perceived to be more concerned with extending its oversight to meet government desires rather than student needs. The cost of regulation per student in smaller institutions is £289 compared to £14 in large institutions due to regulatory overlap and the complexity of processes. There are regular complaints about overly legalistic language, delays, short consultation periods, and a lack of transparency. The OfS's approach risks undermining data quality and financial sustainability for providers. Concerns also arise from the QAA's withdrawal as the designated quality body, leading questions about conflicts of interest."]
Specific Asks
['Will steps be taken to reduce regulatory burden and costs? Will the higher education data reduction taskforce reconvened to assess data burdens across regulators? Does the OfS provide value for money with fee increases of 13%? Will provisions be made specifically for smaller institutions by being less rigid in data requirements, reforming its fee structure, and improving communication?']
Gynaecological Services: Waiting Lists
06 July 2022
Responding: Edward Argar
Main Concerns
["Ms Emma Hardy is concerned about the significant increase in gynaecology waiting lists, which have reached over 610,000 across the UK. She highlighted that women are facing average wait times of seven and a half years for an endometriosis diagnosis pre-pandemic, with conditions worsening due to delayed treatment. The APPG on women's health report from 2017 showed that nearly 50% of women were not informed about the complications of their treatments, indicating issues in patient care and information provision. Emma Hardy stressed that such attitudes reflect the neglect of gynaecological procedures compared to other medical priorities."]
Specific Asks
["Ms Emma Hardy asks the Government to include an investigation into gender bias in prioritising gynecological services as part of the upcoming women's health strategy. She also calls for a shift in prioritisation frameworks and significant rethink on recovery plans that consider wider impacts beyond clinical needs, such as mental health and social participation."]
Community Debt Advice Services
01 December 2021
Responding: John Glen
Main Concerns
['I am concerned about the trebling of UK households behind on rent, bills or debt repayments to nearly 4 million since the pandemic. Families are being dragged into arrears by economic pressures, including a £20-a-week cut to universal credit and rising domestic fuel prices. Over 100,000 people attempt suicide each year because of debt, highlighting the life-saving importance of face-to-face debt advice for vulnerable individuals dealing with complex cases.']
Specific Asks
['I ask MaPS to place an immediate hold on procurement of new debt advice contracts until a thorough consultation is completed into future demand for face-to-face services. I also request that no loss of jobs in community-based debt advice occurs and that funding for these essential face-to-face services increases.']
Water Companies
08 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
South East Water: Disruption of Supply
03 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Synthetic Chemicals
23 April 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Regulation and Inspection of Funeral Services 2025-10-27
27 October 2025
Adjournment Debate
Contributed to this debate
There are many issues that will divide this House and many issues that will divide society, but one thing that probably unites all of us is the legitimate expectation of decent and respectful treatmen...
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill 2025-10-16
16 October 2025
General Debate
Led by this MP
The BBNJ Bill will implement obligations in the United Nations BBNJ agreement, marking a significant step towards ratification. The Minister acknowledges contributions from Members and stakeholders, i...
Crime and Policing Bill 2025-06-18
18 June 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves that the clause be read a Second time. The new clauses aim to criminalise commercial sexual exploitation, including enabling or profiting from prostitution and paying for sex acts either directl...
Sewage 2025-04-23
23 April 2025
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves a motion regretting the dumping of raw sewage into rivers, lakes, and coastal areas by water companies. Cites figures indicating a 106% increase in duration of sewage spills over two years. Crit...
Welfare Reform 2025-03-18
18 March 2025
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Water (Special Measures) Bill [Lords] 2025-02-11
11 February 2025
General Debate
Led by this MP
I am delighted to have another opportunity to debate this transformative Bill in this Chamber. I thank all Members for continuing to take an interest in this important piece of legislation, which demo...
Storm Darragh
10 December 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Planning permission for telecommunication telegraph pole installation
14 November 2023
Residents of Hull and East Riding are concerned about multiple broadband companies installing telegraph poles without consultation or alternatives, such as under-street cabling, due to current legisla...
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Hull York Dental School
18 July 2023
The petition addresses the crisis in NHS dentistry access, particularly in East Riding of Yorkshire where there is a severe shortage of dentists per head of population and high levels of tooth decay a...
View Full Petition -->
Electrification of the Hull to Selby railway line
20 October 2021
The petition highlights poor rail links and low train service reliability between Hull and other major cities in the north of England, suggesting that road travel is quicker than rail. It argues for b...
View Full Petition -->
Attendance
58.2%
57 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
20
20.4% of votes
No Votes
37
37.8% of votes
Abstentions
41
41.8% of votes
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
2
PMQs Asked
86
Ministerial Questions Asked
155
House of Commons Debates Involved
3
Westminster Hall Debates Led
25
Statements / Bills
3
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-45% below average
This MP:
2
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+542% above average
This MP:
86
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
+19% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+3089% above average
This MP:
155
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+164% above average
This MP:
25
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
+22% above average
This MP:
3
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-16% below average
This MP:
58.2
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Emma Hardy's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.